Lay patient navigator program implementation for equal access to cancer care and clinical trials: essential steps and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Disparities Research
• Community Health Programs

Background:

• Significant disparities exist in cancer detection, treatment, and outcomes for racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations.
• Patient navigators are a potential strategy to mitigate these disparities by addressing barriers to care.
• Limited information is available on the optimal design and implementation of patient navigator programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and implementation of a lay patient navigator program for underserved cancer patients.
• To evaluate the initial feasibility and patient satisfaction with the program.
• To provide a model for community hospitals seeking to establish similar initiatives.

Main Methods:

• The Urban Latino African American Cancer (ULAAC) Disparities Project in South Los Angeles developed and implemented a lay patient navigator program.
• The program was integrated into an urban, nonacademic community hospital setting.
• Community input was gathered through an advisory committee, and standardized templates were used for data collection.

Main Results:

• Thirty-one volunteers completed navigator training in the first year.
• Of 135 patients offered services, 75 (56%) accepted.
• Preliminary feedback indicated high satisfaction among patients, navigators, and providers.
• Standardized templates facilitated quality monitoring and program improvement.

Conclusions:

• The ULAAC program offers a viable model for lay patient navigator initiatives in community hospitals.
• Preliminary findings suggest a positive impact on the care experience and a reduction in barriers for minority and low-income cancer patients.
• Further research is necessary to fully ascertain the program's long-term effects on cancer care and patient outcomes.